Maggie's Farm

I am writing about the muscle atrophy of age more than its more severe form of sarcopenia (which we see all the time in its advanced form in frail elderly).

Use it or lose it? Not exactly, unfortunately. After age 40, men and women lose an average of 1% of their muscle power each year, and more rapidly after 50. Only heavy exercise can slow this deterioration and help maintain function and energy, but it can't stop it. Even high-performing master athletes are effected by it (which is obviously why that category exists).

All that is not to mention the various physical things that happen to people over 50.  

For inspiration, take a visit to some independent-living old folks home, or some place in Florida. It can be frightening to see what happens to people who keep living past 70 but do nothing to maintain their bodies other than to visit doctors.